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Salt Springs Recreation Area offers pet-friendly camping with full hookup RV sites and primitive tent sites throughout the campground. Pets are allowed across all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals. Campsites are generously sized with most providing shade trees and amenities like picnic tables, lantern poles, grills, and fire rings. The primitive camping section includes bear boxes at each site for food storage. Silver Springs State Park Campground and Renegades on the River also welcome pets at their facilities, including their cabin accommodations. Sites have minimal privacy between neighbors with an open layout in most areas, though campsite 160 stands out as the only private tent site in the Salt Springs area.
Multiple hiking trails provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, including the dedicated 1.5-mile Bear Swamp Trail and a connector to the Florida Trail system. The springs area features a boardwalk suitable for leashed pets, though dogs are not permitted in the swimming areas. Kayaking along Salt Springs Run offers a pet-friendly water activity where dogs and owners can occasionally spot wildlife including manatees during colder months. The campground's paved roads create a bike and dog-walking friendly environment. Nearby facilities include a Marathon gas station, small grocery store, and Dollar General for pet supplies. During summer visits, the shaded campsites provide essential relief from temperatures that regularly reach mid-90s, making morning and evening the best times for pet activities.
"Hiking-In the park there is a dedicated 1.5 mile trail called Bear Swamp Trail and there is a .5 mile trail to the springs. This park also has its own connector to the trail to the Florida Trail."
"Salt Springs Recreation Area is part of the Ocala National Forest. It’s the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"When in Ocala National Forest, we stayed at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs. Heads up!"
"This pet friendly campground has many magical options. The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."
"Water is stationed within walking distance, tastes weird. Nonpotable?Clean sites. Bath house with hot water, boat ramp for large and small boats. Current is very fast for kayaking."
from $12 - $22 / night
Check Availability"This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV."
"Good walking trails & dog friendly!"
from $16 / night
Check Availability"The sites are large and spacious with shady trees surrounding each site. It is very quiet and peaceful. Note that pets are allowed in the campground area but not in any other areas."
"We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability"There’s a real sense of forest solitude when you turn off the pavement and roll into Lake Delancy West Campground, a wooded public campground tucked beside the lake’s quiet west shore and surrounded by"
"Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"We found this campground while looking for a stealth spot near some springs and it was getting late and we had our car and our dog so just came here."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."
"Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest"
"Pulling into Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost near Fort McCoy feels like arriving somewhere that doesn’t rush you, where the tall trees and wide river channels invite the kind of slow, unhurried breathing that"
"Located at the southern tip of Rodman Reservoir, which is one of the major water tributaries that you can float around the NE perimeter of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll discover that this backwater"
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Great camp with close location and easy access to Ocala trails"
"Place is nice, lake walk, gates, toilets etc is available. Firewood is in forest :)"
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability
Traveler$10 nightly fee for a campsite with restrooms close by, honor system payment method (e.g. cash only). It’s only a few miles from Salt Springs so if you forgot a toothbrush, you’re in luck. Has fire rings and is nicely located with an entrance to one dirt trail and very easy access to others.
LegendWe pulled into Bass Champions in Salt Springs expecting a simple outpost nestled near the lake, and while there were only two or three basic RV spots (which led our family to choose one of the cozy cabins instead), that choice turned out to be just right for our slow, Florida nature weekend. The setting along the oaks along with the quick and EZ access to nearby Lake Kerr and Salt Springs created that gentle, deep breath you hope for when camping away from the city. The layout here is understated and peaceful, with a handful of modest, but well-kept cabins and just a few RV pads tucked into shade trees, and though the RV spaces are limited, the cabins felt welcoming, clean and full of a relaxing vibe that instantly put us in vacation mode. It was a delight to find a bustling farmer’s market on Saturday morning right next to the property where the boys wandered with us between stalls filled with colorful produce, homemade treats and friendly locals, followed by lunch at a nearby local diner where the boys declared the burgers ‘epic.’ Later in the afternoon we drove over to Salt Springs itself, splashing in the clear, cool water and watching turtles bask on logs while dragonflies zigged and zagged overhead, a memory I know the boys won’t forget. The best cabins are the ones furthest from the nearby Salt Springs Highway, where noise is at the lowest. We’d absolutely recommend Bass Champions for families who value peaceful charm near Salt Springs and Lake Kerr, the joy of small community experiences and EZ access to swimming, paddling and nature exploration with just enough local activity to make each day feel full without ever feeling rushed.
RangerLocated in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida
Campground- with 2 large camping areas with over 150 sites overall this is one of the better campgrounds we have ever visited. One campground has complete hookups, meaning 50amp, water and sewer. The cherry on top is that all the sites are paved! Wifi is ok with our booster and using our verizon jetpacks. There are two bathhouses with 3 showers.
The second campground area also has an equally large camping area that is primitive with only water and bear lockers and one bath house. This area is closer to the kayak boat launch. This area does not have paved roads and can be very sandy causing some bigger vehicles to get stuck apparently.
Your campground fee does include entry into the springs, but know that on high attendance weekends you cannot drive your car to the springs parking lot and the springs can be up to 3/4 mile walk depending on your campsite. There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle. If you exit park and go left there will be a marathon gas station on your left- the unmarked building behind that is a small grocery store. Across the street from this unmarked grocery story is a charming veggie/fruit stand and a food truck that serves mexican inspired food with a local flair.
Note- be aware the road that leads to the boat ramp occasionally is forced to close due soft sand . (This happens when there is a drought) This means you will have to go to the Salt Springs Marina around the corner about 2 miles if you need a vehicle to drop off your boat.
Hiking-In the park there is a dedicated 1.5 mile trail called Bear Swamp Trail and there is a .5 mile trail to the springs. This park also has its own connector to the trail to the Florida Trail.
Nearby short biking/hiking distance from the park connector trail is also the Salt spring observation loop Hike. There are soo many hiking opportunities in the area because of the Ocala Forrest, Florida Trail and the connectors. Two of my favorite resources for this area are the websites Florida Hikes and the Florida Rambler.
Biking- the roads in and around the park are very bike friendly. If you are into mountain biking you will enjoy the hundreds of miles of ATV/multi use trails in the area.
Water Activities/Kayaking- Swimming in the Salt Springs-This is a natural spring area that due to the composition of minerals in the water there is a slightly salty tinge to the water. The water in the springs are generally crystal clear and having googles and/or mask would make this more fun. Water temperature is 72-74 degrees year around. (We are currently here in June and our last visit was in January of this same year.) Also- in the colder months - Chances increase of seeing manatees the salt springs run.
Just outside the swimming area is the "Salt Springs Run" which flows slowly for 4.5 miles into Lake George. This means paddling up and down the salt run is enjoyable both ways.
Other Activities outside the park- 1.5 miles away there are 4 pickle ball courts available by exiting right from the park.
Amrit Yoga institute is about 10 miles away and offers wellness weekends, yoga, pilates. There is also yoga on Tuesday nights at the Salt Springs Recreation center (next to the pickleball courts)
We hope you enjoy this park as much as we do. Enjoy the video we made for YouTube- it is below.
Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith
LegendSalt Springs Recreation Area is part of the Ocala National Forest. It’s the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest. The Salt Springs gets its name from the magnesium, sodium and potassium levels in the water, giving it a slight salinity. We made our reservations online at www.recreation.gov you can also call 877-444-6777 the local office is(352) 685-2048. We’re a married couple in our forties traveling with two dogs and a cat in our 37 foot motorhome. We stayed at Salt Springs campground for about a week in February. It was$34 for full hookups or$23 for tent camping. American Land& Leisure does a great job managing this recreation and camping area, the staff are professional and friendly. It’s a very safe and well lit campground. Activities include spring swimming, basketball courts, horseshoe pit, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, boating and kayaking. Canoe rentals are available. Nearby in the town of Salt Springs you will find a grocery store, gas station, restaurants, post office and laundromat. Don’t expect big box stores to shop in, this is a very small town and a place to get away from the world. We stayed in a full hookup site and had lots of space to ourselves, at least 25 yards to our neighbor on either side and about 40 yards to the next loop behind us. It was a flat site and very easy to level our motorhome. Sites are fully equipped with fire ring, grill, lantern post and picnic table. The tent sites include a bear locker. We loved the recycling opportunities at each trash container. They recycle plastic, glass and aluminum. The bathhouses are a gem, extremely clean and well taken care of. For campers in tents they offer a kitchen sink area to clean your dishes. Overall we loved our stay here, we went swimming multiple times with our snorkel gear and drove down to Silver Springs on two separate days(one for the glass bottomed boats and a second day to go kayaking).
LegendWhile there are many natural springs throughout north central Florida, Salt Springs is considered by many to be one of the best preserved and well-maintained springs throughout the state as well as being the ‘main attraction’ here in the Ocala National Forest, where you’ll find yourself at should you choose to swing by Salt Springs. Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west. What’s great about Salt Springs SP is that there’s a lot more to experience and explore here than just the springs themselves, which you can swim, fish and canoe in, but nearby, there’s Lake Kerr, which offers up some additional on-the-water adventures.
As for the CG itself, to be clear, there are (2) campgrounds here at Salt Springs SP – one exclusively for the mobile-minded, while a second for the tent-pitchin’ breed. I will isolate my comments here for the former, which features 106 back-in and pull-through slots available for those camping with RVs, 5th Wheelers and / or trailers complete with FHUs offering up 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage, making this the largest CG of any in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with FHUs. And while most RV-centered CGs tend to line up parking pad slots so close together you’ll wonder whether or not you are a sardine, the spaces here are actually nice and spacious although there’s not a ton of trees or brush within the center or between sites to provide campers with any sense of privacy, although the arrow tip-shaped CG is flanked around its perimeter with decent tree-line cover and thick bush. And while each of the sites appeared to be quite level and perfectly accommodating to most RV sizes, you’ll want to take note there are gently rolling hills around this CG, which features nicely paved driving pathways and cement, grass and gravel pads.
Amenities: There are (2) very well-maintained and incredibly clean restroom facilities located centrally, with shower facilities in the tent CG, recycling dumpsters located on the northern perimeter, boat launch near Salt Springs Marina, small fishing canal just due north of the tent camping area, dump station, overflow parking, horseshoes and shuffleboard on the western edge, drinking fountains, picnic tables, fire rings, standing BBQ grills, pavilion with basketball court on the southern perimeter, camp store on the far eastern edge near the springs parking area, canoe rentals (offered up on a first-come, first-served basis… so you’ll want to get yours bright and early!) additional overflow and boat parking on the eastern flank betwixt this CG and the primitive tent area and, of course, likely the entire you’ve come here in the first place, the Salt Springs itself.
Insider’s Tips: (1) If you are looking to cast a line in nearby Lake Kerr complete with its cypress tree-lined shores, you can do so by accessing any one of the main piers and fishing docks that are scattered around this freshwater bastion of aqua marine or you can cast a line to catch bountiful small- and largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, blue gill, warmouth and shellcracker at one of the peninsulas that poke into this lake either at Lake Kerr Key to the north, Point Pleasant on the western edge or, right near Salt Springs by taking NE 247th Ct to the dead end on Juniper Street; (2) While there’s not a ton of eateries that are all that tempting in these parts, if you do decide to ‘get off the reservation’ nearby, there’s a Subway, Salt Springs Pizza, Square Meal, Hunt Brothers Pizza and Southern Buffet, that are honestly all just ‘mid,’ so for those that don’t mind a slightly longer drive, check-out Elis River Park Café, Townsend Cove, Renegades on the River, Sunset Landing and The Grill Out; (3) It is HIGHLY advisable that you make your CG reservations here at Salt Springs SP WAY in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or booking online at Recreation.gov; (4) There is a single 2-mile hiking trail that is at best, moderate, although the path offers up a nice boardwalk midway through with excellent views of trees endemic to the Ocala National Forest like the many varieties of Oaks (Chapman, Sand Live, Ancient, Live, Myrtle), Big Scrub, Saw Palmetto, water-logged Palmettos and, of course, the Southern Magnolias, most of which you’ll find dripping with Spanish moss; and (5) Like most natural springs, as the day progresses, the spring will get busier and busier, so I always recommend if you are camping at a spring – because this grants you automatic admission unlike those who are just visiting for the day and are therefore subject to being turned away once the spring reaches capacity – that you chose to go either early or later in the day – as the water’s temperature doesn’t change remaining constant at 72 degrees throughout the day and, in fact, all year round.
Happy Camping!
LegendIt’s not common to find a spot that you can plant your RV on and go out to hit the links for the day all in the same location, but here at Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort you can hit par on both fronts. Located right off Route 27 just due west of Lake Apopka in central Florida, Clerbrook offers nearly 300 acres of prime landscape that posits 1200+ RV slots for your parking and vacationing pleasure. Here you’ll be able to perfectly blend a golfing oasis that blends its RV offering complete with lush vegetation, interconnecting ponds and narrow canals all surrounded by ancient Oaks draped with Spanish Moss.
As far as amenities goes, Clerbrook does not disappoint. Here’s just a small list of all the great amenities you’ll find: Welcome Center, Heated Swimming Pools, BBQ and Picnic tables, Planned Activities, Clubhouses, Billiard Room, Card Rooms, Post Office, Fishing Area, 18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop), Exercise & Fitness Center, Horseshoe Pits, Recreation Hall, Laundry, Shuffleboard Courts, Library, Nature Walks, Pets Welcome, Picnic Pavilion, Driving Range, Dog Park, Wood Shop, Basketball Court, Playground, Restrooms & Showers, Softball Field, Hot Tub, RV Storage, complimentary WiFi, Arts and Craft Classes as well as Live Entertainment on the weekends. Of course, for RV’ers you can expect both back-in and pull-through slots with all of the traditional water, sewage and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’ve got wine on your mind (and why wouldn’t you when on holiday?!), just meander a few miles south of Clerbrook and you’ll discover a fairly respectable winery called Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offering tours and tastings featuring Muscadine grapes (apparently a prominent grape varietal down in these parts known for their antioxidant qualities; (2) When you get tired of fixing every meal from your mini-fridge or cooler, then you’ll have to head south to Clermont where you’ll find PeruRican Ceviche, which for these parts is pretty outstanding and if you are still longing for pizza, check out Mamma Rita’s Pizzeria for some good pies and pasta; and (3) If nature is calling and you want to get out for a good hike, then head due south to Hiawatha Preserve that has a few dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking paths, and of course, access to Lake Hiawatha, in case you want to drop your kayak or canoe in the water.
Happy Camping!
TravelerBeautiful campground in Ocala forest! I camped here for 2 nights and enjoyed everything about it! Campsite 160 is my absolute favorite because it's the only private tent ground. Everything else is an open layout with the neighbors. Salt springs is a short walk about 3-5 minutes. Great for swimming and snorkeling! Crabs, turtles and manatees swim nearby as well! Campsite includes entrance to springs, fire pit, bench, water hook up with your own supplies though. Shower house and sink house centrally located. All of the hosts and rangers were so nice they genuinely care for the property which is so wonderful to see!! Brings tubes/rafts or buy one at the springs shop. Only thing close by at 5minutes is subway, dollar general, and gas stations so be prepared.
RangerWe stayed here during Spring Break as it was the only thing available in Saint Augustine when we booked. However, we really enjoyed the park. It was close to the beaches and all major attractions. The pool was nice and there was a basket ball court, corn hole and table tennis as well as a small playground. Since we booked late we were in what was considered a buddy site which was a little different since we had a neighbor facing our site who we didn’t know but still we had a great time and my kids made several new friends. The bathrooms were clean and there was a laundry area with a separate laundry for washing pet bedding. The park was almost separated into 2 sections with the sites in the back having mixed paved pads while the ones in the front were gravel. There were several trails through the campground and there was an off leash dog park as well. All in all we really enjoyed our visit and would definitely return in the future.
GuideWhen in Ocala National Forest, we stayed at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs. Our favorite camping site was Juniper Springs.
Heads up! The different sites within the forest are operated by different concessionaires and you have to pay to use (even day use) them individually! If you’re camping, you don’t have to pay day use fee. If you want to see multiple sites and ok with moving camp, you can save a few bucks
Pros
Cons
The Ocala National Forest area surrounding Salt Springs features mostly flat terrain with elevations between 25-150 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly reach mid-90s with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to the 40s. Water levels in the springs remain consistent year-round at approximately 72°F, creating a constant-temperature swimming environment regardless of season.
Kayaking Juniper Springs Run: Navigate the narrow, winding 7-mile downstream paddle from Juniper Springs Rec Area. "The springs/swimming area is really beautiful! Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas. They also have a great river you can canoe or kayak, which they offer both for rental. It's a gorgeous natural run, sometimes with obstacles depending on tide and fallen trees," notes Zanny M.
Fishing at Rodman Reservoir: Access the 9,000-acre Rodman Preserve via Rodman Campground. Catch largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. "Its proximity to the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir allows campers to enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing," explains Jeff E. Bring your fishing license and tackle.
Wildlife observation on Hopkins Prairie: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife viewing at Hopkins Prairie Campground. "Beautiful view of the prairie, not many people," writes Grace H. The area includes a large bat house where you can observe evening bat flights, plus chances to spot deer, various bird species, and occasional alligators along the prairie edges.
Private campsites at Hopkins Prairie: Hopkins Prairie Campground offers secluded tent and RV camping. "Pretty much all of the sites are shady and most have good privacy between them, especially the sites that face out onto the prairie. I usually see more adult campers than families, so it is a pretty quiet area in my experience," shares Jaime G.
Clean facilities at Silver Springs: Silver Springs State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Full facilities. Extensive trails. River access. Beautiful forest. What's not to love," says Bob S. Carlos R. adds, "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them. The park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative."
Spring swimming at Alexander Springs: The large swimming basin at Alexander Springs Recreation Area offers consistent 72°F water. "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too," explains Gabby C. The springs feature a gradual depth increase, making them suitable for various swimming abilities.
Summer heat management: Temperatures frequently reach 90°F+ during summer months, requiring early morning or evening scheduling for outdoor activities. "What a beautiful site we had! Shady and it was 96 degrees! Big site near a stream. Road our bikes to the springs, and they were spectacular!" notes Lauren W. about Salt Springs.
Weekend crowds at springs: Alexander Springs Recreation Area and other swimming areas become extremely busy on summer weekends. "Friendly and professional hostesses, clean bathrooms and sites are very spacious and private. The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable," reports Enrique T.
Wildlife precautions: Bears, coyotes, and alligators are present throughout the region. "Just watch for coons stealing your food," warns Enrique T. Secure food in approved containers, maintain clean campsites, and never approach or feed wildlife. Alligators are commonly seen in waterways, especially during warmer months.
Beginner-friendly options: Juniper Springs offers structured camping good for first-time families. "Great place for new or experienced campers, definitely and great way to introduce someone new to camping!" recommends Zanny M. The camp store sells basic supplies, eliminating need for extensive pre-trip shopping.
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Lake Eaton Campground provides lake access with gradual entry points. "The lake is great for fishing and is filled with sunfish and bass. There is a boat ramp, and a fishing dock. The boat ramp made getting the kayak in and out of the lake easy," explains Kippy N.
Spacious sites for family setups: Many campgrounds offer larger sites that accommodate multiple tents. "The campsite was much bigger than I expected. There were other people near by, but very quiet night. The bathrooms were pretty clean and within decent walking distance," shares Desirae L. about Salt Springs Recreation Area.
Full hookup availability: Salt Springs Recreation Area provides complete RV services with spacious sites. "The campground has large spots and are easy to back into. There was no reservation required. The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," explains Miranda R.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to some campgrounds require caution with larger rigs. "The road to get in has three large dips which might be a problem for big rigs but we saw several 30+ footers while camped here," notes Chris D. about Lake Eaton Campground.
Dog friendly RV options: Renegades on the River welcomes pets at their waterfront RV sites. "This is a top notch RV park/marina...has a full service restaurant with a very nice tiki bar right on the river. Full size RV sites with full hook up and the whole park is paved or pavers," says Mike K. This provides another dog friendly campground near Salt Springs where pets can enjoy shaded sites and river views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Salt Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Salt Springs, FL is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 61 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 275 dog-friendly camping locations near Salt Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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